Specialist, HPS

Job Description:

A Career at HARMAN

As a technology leader that is rapidly on the move, HARMAN is filled with people who are focused on making life better. Innovation, inclusivity and teamwork are a part of our DNA. When you add that to the challenges we take on and solve together, you'll discover that at HARMAN you can grow, make a difference and be proud of the work you do every day.

About the Role
As an HPS Specialist, you will play a key role in supporting the daily execution of HARMAN Production System (HPS) routines on the shop floor.
This is an individual contributor role, focused on strengthening lean culture through standardized behaviors, visual management, and daily discipline.
You will work closely with line leaders or supervisors to ensure consistent application of core HPS practices, while operating in a supporting, non-authoritative role. This position reports to the local HPS leader.
Note: This role does not include industrial engineering tasks, such as time studies, line balancing, capacity planning, or workstation design.

What You Will Do
* Daily HPS Execution Support
Assist in maintaining core HPS routines including 5S audits, visual management boards, open issue tracking (Open List), and gemba walks at the team/supervisor level
* Standardized Work & Visual Management
Help update and sustain visual standards (e.g., shadow boards, process maps, safety alerts) and ensure frontline teams understand and follow standardized behaviors
* Kaizen Idea Management
Coordinate the collection, documentation, and basic validation of employee kaizen ideas; support small-group Kaizen activities; manage recognition processes (e.g., Category winner, CI gifts )
* Training & Capability Building
Deliver or co-facilitate foundational HPS training modules prepared by the HPS team; assist in apprentice/onboarding programs related to lean mindset.
* Cross-Site Alignment
Act as a local point of contact for HPS-related communication with international plants, support experience sharing and alignment under the guidance of the site HPS leader
* Escalation & Problem Awareness
Guide teams in using simple problem-solving tools (e.g., 5Why) for daily issues; ensure timely escalation when problems exceed team capability.
* HPS Communication Hub
Manage internal HPS communication channels (e.g., shared folders, boards, email groups) to disseminate updates, success stories, and global lean learnings
* Support Leadership Routines
Prepare HPS related materials for daily tiered meetings, help track action items, and ensure HPS KPIs (e.g., 5S compliance rate, kaizen ideas per person, engagement) are visible and reviewed

What You Need to Be Successful
* Basic understanding of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement concepts (5S, Kaizen, visual management, standardized work)
* 0-2 years of experience in a manufacturing or shop-floor environment
* Strong organization, coordination, and follow-up skills
* Ability to work respectfully and effectively with operators, line leaders and supervisors
* Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint); Teams/SharePoint is a plus

Bonus Points if You Have
* College's degree in engineering, Business, or related field
* Internship or project experience in a TPS / HPS / Lean system
* Hands-on exposure to Kaizen events or idea management
* Experience working with international or cross-site teams
* Lean / CI related training or certification

What Makes You Eligible
* Working-level English (spoken and written) to support communication with global sites
* Passion for lean culture, willingness to work on the shop floor and go to Gemba
* Humble, service-oriented, and comfortable working in a supporting, non-authoritative role
* Flexibility to adapt to shift coverage when needed
* Legal authorization to work at the local site

What We Offer
* Access to employee discounts on world-class Harman (JBL, HARMAN Kardon, AKG, etc.)
* Extensive training opportunities through our own HARMAN University
* Competitive wellness benefits
* Access to HARMAN Campus Fitness Center and Cafeteria
* "Be Brilliant" employee recognition and rewards program
* An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal development

HARMAN is proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics